House condemns Iran for imprisonment of Christian minister

WASHINGTON -- The House Thursday voted 417-1 for a resolution condemning Iran for imprisoning a Christian pastor and Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is now trying to get the resolution through the Senate. The Rev. Youcef Nadarkhani was arrested in October 2009 and charged with apostasy, disparaging the Muslim religion, and attempting to evangelize Muslims. In February, the American Center for Law and Justice says that an Iranian court may have issued an execution order for Nadarkhani.

The House resolution and Vitter's proposed resolution accuse Iran of violating the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights and its own constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

Both President Barack Obama and the U.S. State Department have denounced Nadarkhani's arrest and called on Iran to immediately release him.

Vitter said he'd like the Senate to add its voice to those condemning Iran.

"I'm troubled by the reports coming from Iran on the treatment of Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani," Vitter said. "This is an unacceptable attack on religious freedom, and I've been encouraging Louisianans to pray for this brave man and his family. I applaud the House of Representatives for passing their resolution, and I'm encouraged by the president's strong words of solidarity as well."

"I'll continue urging my Senate colleagues to follow suit so we make it clear there's no place for this kind of persecution anywhere."

The lone House vote against the resolution was cast by Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif. Her spokeswoman later said that Capps strongly supported the resolution, but cast the no vote by mistake.

Six of Louisiana's seven House members voted for the resolution.

Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, missed the vote. His spokesman, Millard Mule, said that the congressman had to leave just prior to the vote to fly back for a meeting in Louisiana and most certainly would have voted for it had he been able to do so.